4x4 Service Interval
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
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From: Central Florida
4x4 Service Interval
I went to the dealer today for my 60,000 mile service (I have about 63,000 miles now). Looking in the owners manual I thought I had to change my transfer case fluid and oil change. My dealer told me that it was a complete waste of money to change the transfer case fluid now. We went on the Ford Web site, put in my VIN, noted I towed trailers and got a service recommendation.
Not including inspections or oil changes this is the list.
100,000 - change spark plugs.
150,000 - change front axle lubricant, transfer case fluid, transmission fluid with filter, change orange coolant and replace accessory belts.
One of the mechanics told me even at 150,000 miles when they change fluids, the old fluids still look good. He also told me very few EcoBoost trucks have spark plug issues before the 100,000. The mechanic has almost the same truck as me and almost the same mileage. He's only done oil changes.
Not including inspections or oil changes this is the list.
100,000 - change spark plugs.
150,000 - change front axle lubricant, transfer case fluid, transmission fluid with filter, change orange coolant and replace accessory belts.
One of the mechanics told me even at 150,000 miles when they change fluids, the old fluids still look good. He also told me very few EcoBoost trucks have spark plug issues before the 100,000. The mechanic has almost the same truck as me and almost the same mileage. He's only done oil changes.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
That sounds about right. The transfer case is transferring no power unless your four wheel drive is engaged, otherwise it's just a single metal shaft that connects the transmission output shaft to the driveshaft. I can't imagine the fluid would incur any appreciable wear just being spun around the case without being put under any pressure.
Your front differential doesn't even get to spin without being put in 4WD. It's sitting there every bit as still as if the truck was parked until you turn the ****. Can't imagine a reason that would require changing either unless you use 4WD frequently.
The only thing I would do before the schedule recommends would be the transmission fluid. I'm sure modern transmissions and fluids have come a long way, but worn out fluid has always been a transmission killer. I'd do my transmission around 90,000, but even that is likely unnecessary. I've taken enough factory plugs out of 100,000 mile engines to be completely comfortable with that change interval.
Your front differential doesn't even get to spin without being put in 4WD. It's sitting there every bit as still as if the truck was parked until you turn the ****. Can't imagine a reason that would require changing either unless you use 4WD frequently.
The only thing I would do before the schedule recommends would be the transmission fluid. I'm sure modern transmissions and fluids have come a long way, but worn out fluid has always been a transmission killer. I'd do my transmission around 90,000, but even that is likely unnecessary. I've taken enough factory plugs out of 100,000 mile engines to be completely comfortable with that change interval.
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Uh, yeah. I have a hard time believing that any plug will last that long.
Many people have reported stuttering and misfire issues relating to plugs being gapped too wide, and carbon tracking failures.
How many 100k+ ecoboosts are out there? Not many I'd bet. They've only been available for 4 years, so given AAA's average yearly mileage of 13500, your average '11 ecoboost likely is somewhere around 54k.
Many people have reported stuttering and misfire issues relating to plugs being gapped too wide, and carbon tracking failures.
How many 100k+ ecoboosts are out there? Not many I'd bet. They've only been available for 4 years, so given AAA's average yearly mileage of 13500, your average '11 ecoboost likely is somewhere around 54k.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Plugs last 100,000 miles just fine in other applications, not sure why they wouldn't on these engines.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: ME
Quite a few Ecos are ready for plugs between 40k - 50k miles.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...placement.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...placement.html
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
my father-in-law changes his at 120,000 in the old '97 f150.
these were both vehicles that called for them at 60k
i wouldn't make a habit out of doubling your service live, but plugs can go 100k if that is what the interval calls for.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
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From: Central Florida
I've had several vehicles go 100,000 with no issues on plugs. I all ready have over 60,000 on the original set of plugs in my EcoBoost so in my case the 40-50K estimate is not accurate. I guess I'll pay particular attention to them for now. If I get 80,000 out of them that should put me right at the point where I'll only have to change the 1 time.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
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From: ME
I've had several vehicles go 100,000 with no issues on plugs. I all ready have over 60,000 on the original set of plugs in my EcoBoost so in my case the 40-50K estimate is not accurate. I guess I'll pay particular attention to them for now. If I get 80,000 out of them that should put me right at the point where I'll only have to change the 1 time.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: ME
How many twin turboed gas engines have you done that with?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
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The EB runs at a low rpm, doesn't have an abnormally high compression ratio.
What exactly would cause it to go thru plugs faster then a non turbo engine?
I can drive my truck all day, and rarely go over 2000 rpm. It seems like you
could make a case that the plugs could last longer in and EB engine.
It is capable of producing much more torque per cubic inch then a normal
gas burner. Would using the engine at a high power setting, i.e. towing, cause a faster wear of plugs?
I'm guessing that the problem may be that a slight defect in a plug will cause a
magnified effect.
What exactly would cause it to go thru plugs faster then a non turbo engine?
I can drive my truck all day, and rarely go over 2000 rpm. It seems like you
could make a case that the plugs could last longer in and EB engine.
It is capable of producing much more torque per cubic inch then a normal
gas burner. Would using the engine at a high power setting, i.e. towing, cause a faster wear of plugs?
I'm guessing that the problem may be that a slight defect in a plug will cause a
magnified effect.